North River Slated for Early December Opening

By Billy Lyons | November 15, 2013

North River is headed downstream to the East Village, set to arrive with a boatload of American comfort food. The name of the restaurant, owned by married Culinary Institute of America grads Colby and Sarah Zito, nods to an early name for the Hudson, and touches like wainscoting and antique brass fixtures lend the space an old-time feel.

The owners, who have a background in service at restaurants like Maialino as well as in private dining, teamed up with former Picholine chef Adam Starowicz on the menu, which is steeped in Americana like deviled eggs, shrimp and grits, and chicken soup (but this version has ricotta dumplings and escarole). There are indulgent cocktails, like the milk punch and a rum-sherry combo with Concord grape, leading the way to desserts including coconut donuts, banana cream pie and warm chocolate chip cookies. The 55-seat restaurant is expected to open in December, with plans for dinner and weekend brunch.